The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee yesterday (September 14, 2016) received His Excellency Mohammad Ashraf Ghani, the President of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan at Rashtrapati Bhavan.

Welcoming President Ghani, President Mukherjee said it is heartening to see that there have been regular meetings between India and Afghanistan at the highest level. These meetings are testament of close and friendly bilateral relations between the two countries. The President said India will always stand by the people of Afghanistan as their proud country courageously deals with its challenges.

The President offered his condolences on terrorist attacks that continue to claim precious innocent lives in Afghanistan. He said India supports the people of Afghanistan in their fight against terror and violence imposed on them. He thanked the Afghan Government for protecting the Indian Embassy and Consulates and also ensuring the safety and security of Indian nationals in Afghanistan.

In response, the President of Afghanistan said it was their duty and responsibility to protect Indian Consulates and nationals.The Afghanistan Government will continue to do everything possible to ensure their security.

This release issued at 1240 hrs.